Belarusian human rights organization Viasna reported on Friday that a German national named as Rico Krieger had been sentenced to death in Belarus on charges related to terrorism and mercenary activity.

Germany’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that one of its nationals had been sentenced to death but did not name him. The ministry said it was in intensive contact with the authorities in Minsk on the issue.

Belarusian Foreign Minister Anatoly Glaz was quoted by the country's state news agency, Belta, as saying: "Belarus stays in contact with Germany over the matter. The person in question is a German citizen and we understand Germany's concerns. In full compliance with international norms and bilateral agreements, Belarus has provided consular access to this person. At the request of the German Federal Foreign Office, Belarus has put forward proposals for the existing scenarios of the situation. The foreign ministries of the two countries are holding consultations on the matter.”

Viasna said on its website that Krieger had been in custody since November 2023 and was convicted on June 24. The organization reported that Krieger, a 29-year-old employee of the German Red Cross, was convicted of causing an explosion. They said he was charged with six offenses including “agent activity, “mercenary activity” and “creation of an extremist organization,” as well as "illegal actions in relation to firearms, ammunition and explosives."

Viasna said Krieger, a father of one from Berlin, worked as a rescue medic having previously worked for the State Department in Berlin as a special security officer, a position in which he gained experience in “armed security operations.” He later changed careers and became an emergency medical technician, Viasna said.